Big Ben, Blue

Ideally, Jim Boeheim and eventual successor Mike Hopkins would build a wall around Upstate New York and keep all the talent flowing toward the Carrier Dome. But that's too much to ask.

The efforts that have brought Craig Forth, Matt Gorman, Josh Wright, Andy Rautins, Paul Harris and Jonny Flynn from various parts of this state to SU did not work in the case of Ben Cronin. The 7-foot junior announced today that he is bound for Michigan.

Why Ann Arbor? Many reasons, for sure, but a coaching change with a deep local connection might have had something to do with it.

When Big Blue axed Tommy Amaker after yet another non-NCAA season (they haven't gone to the Dance since 1998), they made a big splash with the new guy - John Beilein, who performed miracles in Morgantown, nearly taking the Mountainers, Pittsnogle and all, to the Final Four in both 2005 and '06.

Oh yes, and Beilein coached once upon a time in Central New York, at LeMoyne, and is still a beloved figure around here. That can resonate with a teenager like Cronin, who might contribute at Michigan right away.

They say you can't teach height. Just as true is the fact that statistics can deceive. At Henninger, Cronin has gone through some rough nights, mostly times where he got into foul trouble. But when he stayed out there, the idea of a triple-double in points, rebounds and blocks was always in mind, and he did it twice at the Mayor's Classic.

When he doesn't have to be the focal point of every defensive game plan, Cronin might really blossom, and as Mike Hart showed, a Central New Yorker can go to Michigan and flourish. As for SU, don't worry - unless Brandon Triche has designs to go elsewhere, too.